Brussels, 17 July 2018 — BSA | The Software Alliance congratulates the decision by Japan and the EU today to mutually recognize the adequacy of each jurisdiction’s systems for protecting personal information and for facilitating international transfers of personal information between the two markets. This agreement will spur economic growth and job creation in Japan, Europe, and the world, by allowing the transfer of personal data between the two economies while ensuring the highest levels of respect and protection for consumer privacy. BSA and its members applaud this important international agreement between Japan and the EU and are encouraged that the arrangement preserves the flexibilities that exist in Japan’s law. This sets a model for how governments can work together to facilitate international data transfers, while ensuring the effective protection of personal information, which are both so crucial for the 21st century economy.

“With current uncertainties related to data transfers and ongoing litigations in Europe, the adequacy determination for Japan is a breath of fresh air. The flexibility evident in the mutual recognition contributes to appease tensions on data flows and could serve as a model for future adequacy determinations,” said Thomas Boué, Director General, Policy — EMEA, BSA | The Software Alliance.

“After considerable negotiations, we welcome the mutual recognition of adequacy. Data flows between Japan and the EU are crucial for both economies and it is important that both governments have committed to this mechanism for transfers while ensuring the highest levels of privacy protection,” said Ryohei Kakuta, Country Manager – Japan, BSA | The Software Alliance.